(Newser)
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Hillary Clinton is at the top of the very short list for secretary of state in the Obama administration, Politico reports, as buzz on a possible “Team of Rivals” was accelerated by a mysterious "personal" trip Clinton made to Chicago yesterday. While the president-elect’s opinion remains unclear, several of his top advisers are said to be making a push for his former opponent. If nothing else, notes ABC, the idea has given Clinton the spotlight yet again, creating its own "3am in the transition" moment.

Obama’s newfound confidence as president-elect may have trumped concerns that scotched the idea of taking her on as VP, officials close to the matter say. And while Obama doesn’t feel the need for a Clinton presence, advisers say she could provide a big boost abroad for the new administration. And, one adviser noted, it’s safer to keep the Clintons on the inside track than “outside, causing trouble,” Mike Allen writes.